How to BBQ whole sardines the perfect way

sardines

🥗Healthier: mackerel

💰Cheaper: herring

Mackerel and herring provide similar flavors and textures at a lower cost.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil offers health benefits while vegetable oil is budget-friendly.

sea salt

🥗Healthier: kosher salt

💰Cheaper: table salt

Kosher salt is often preferred for its texture and flavor.

lemon

🥗Healthier: lime

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lime provides a similar acidity, while vinegar is more economical.

Clean the sardines by descaling them from the head to the tail using your thumb and finger to push the scales off gently.

Open the belly of the sardines with a knife and remove the insides.

Rinse the sardines and pat dry with kitchen paper.

Place a bed of sea salt on a platter and lay the sardines on top to extract moisture for 15-20 minutes.

Preheat the barbecue on high heat.

Make the salsa by crushing one clove of garlic with a bit of sea salt in a mortar.

Add mint leaves and a balance of cilantro and coriander to the mortar.

Add four tablespoons of olive oil, a teaspoon of red wine vinegar, and a teaspoon of French mustard to the mixture.

Mix until creamy and season with black pepper to taste.

Brush the grilling rack with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.

Remove excess salt from the sardines and sandwich them between the grilling rack.

Grill the sardines for 4-6 minutes on each side, depending on their size, until golden brown and crispy.

Finish the dish with lemon zest and serve with the mint and cilantro salsa.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens